Headmistress suspended over ‘naughty cupboard’ accusations

A PRIMARY head is facing a police probe over claims her staff sent pupils to a
“naughty cupboard” if they misbehaved in class.

Catherine Woodall, 61, and five colleagues were suspended amid allegations
that crying youngsters were ordered to sit in a windowless room as
punishment for being disruptive.

Parents at Revoe Community Primary School in Blackpool were told by letter
that Miss Woodall had been temporarily replaced by another head teacher as
an inquiry began.

The investigation began after a tip off to council staff.

Lancashire Police confirmed officers were also investigating complaints. They
said no arrests had been made and they have not identified any offences.

Mum of four Emma Chadwick, 28, said her son Harley Marsh, seven, had been put
in “the cupboard”.

She said: “My son got put in this cupboard room. He got in a bit of trouble at
the school last year and was put in a room for disruptive children.

“But next to that is the cupboard, which they use for children that won’t calm
down. It’s a room with no windows and is tiny, almost like an under-stairs
cupboard.

“I was called to the school and when I got there he was in the corner of this
room crying.

“It’s unbelievable that they would do that to children. The size of it is just
so small — it really is like a cupboard.

“I think they’ve been using it for a while and the council has acted now to
stop it just because there have been so many complaints from parents.

“It is disgusting that children can be treated in this way when they are at
school. It is not the way to discipline children.”

Lancashire Police said: “This allegation, like any allegation involving
the well-being of young people, is being taken extremely seriously and will
be thoroughly investigated as our priority is the safeguarding of young
people.

“We are in the early stages of this inquiry and are working closely with the
school and the local authority to establish the circumstances. No arrests
have been made at this stage.”